Good sleep is essential for your health. If you experience night after night of sleep deprivation it can affect your weight, mood, and immune system. According to medical experts, the ideal amount of sleep for most adults ranges from 7 to 9 hours, but some need up to 10 hours of sleep, while others fare fine on 6 hours. Factors such as pregnancy and age can affect these numbers. With so many people in the NYC area experiencing sleep issues, it is a good idea to consider how your bedroom window coverings can help to achieve the optimal sleep environment.
Window coverings can help you to achieve room darkening, sound control, and maintain a comfortable temperature in the bedroom. Each of these can contribute to a more restful night of sleep.
Room Darkening
Sunlight feels wonderful during the daytime, it can be quite energizing, but at night it often is responsible for preventing or disrupting good sleep. The brain responds to sunlight cues strongly, and too much sunlight too early in the morning can cause you to wake up much earlier than is needed. Ideally the bedroom should be as dark as possible when you are trying to sleep. Window coverings that prevent light from seeping in are a good solution to this problem.
Blackout shades are a common choice for the bedroom as they offer the maximum amount of light control. When light is coming through sheer curtains, or even through a slit in your window treatment, it is disruptive. Drapery made of heavy materials and blinds can also be used to block light from entering the room. While blackout shades can create the darkest environment, blinds are a good option for bedrooms in which you want to incrementally control light during the daytime as well.
Sound Control
Heavy drapery and blackout shades also are effective for noise reduction. Materials that prevent unwanted light from entering your bedroom are often capable of absorbing sounds from your neighborhood that can disrupt sleep. Added quiet can help you to relax, as jarring noises can set you back when you are trying to fall asleep.
Temperature Regulation
The ideal sleep environment is dark and cool, with a temperature of around 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything much colder or warmer than that can contribute to sleep issues. During the summer, light control achieved through blackout shades and heavy drapery can prevent the heat accumulation that comes from heavy direct sunlight during the day. In the winter months, they can keep heat from escaping. Beyond energy efficiency and related utility bill savings, this can have a positive effect on your ability to achieve a restful night.
Your custom window treatment specialist can help you to design the best solution for your sleep needs. The proper material, width, and style of covering can make an impact. Even a decision such as the type of pleat can affect the way light and sound can pass through your window and contribute to a restless night.